Weekly Football News, March 27 2013
Van Persie passes Cryuff in all-time scoring charts
Netherlands striker Robin van Persie scored twice in his country's 4-0 win over Romania to surpass Dutch legend Johan Cryuff's tally of 33 international goals.
Van Persie, who has endured a relatively lean run for Manchester United in the Premier League since the turn of the year, scored his 33rd and 34th goals for Holland, who now lead Group D by seven points in the race to qualify for the World Cup next year in Brazil.
"Van Persie was very unlucky in the first half but in the second half he was actually very happy, because he made an incredible world-class goal," coach Louis van Gaal was quoted as saying by Voetbal International.
"It was a ball that he could barely head, but he deliberately hit it into the top corner."
Hungary (11 points) stay second after drawing 1-1 with Turkey (seven points), who are fourth behind Romania (10 points).
England falter in Podgorica
Montenegro remain at the top of Group H after coming from behind to clinch a deserved 1-1 draw with England in Podgorica.
Wayne Rooney scored after six minutes - his fifth consecutive scoring appearance for England - as the visitors controlled proceedings.
But Montenegro were superior in the second term, and found an equaliser 14 minutes from time when substitute Dejan Damjanovic tapped home from close range at the third attempt.
Despite the disappointment of losing the lead against the Group H leaders, England coach Roy Hodgson remained upbeat about his side's chances of qualifying for Brazil 2014.
"We've got to play Montenegro at home, so it's in our hands," Hodgson said.
"We drew (1-1) at home to Ukraine (last September), which we didn't want. But we've got three of our last four games at home.
"We think it's still in our hands and we intend to make sure we keep it in our hands by winning those matches."
Benzema booed by France fans
France striker Karim Benzema was jeered by his own fans as Spain got their qualifying campaign back on track with a 1-0 win in Paris.
Pedro scored the only goal as the world champions sealed victory again 10-man France to reclaim first place in Group I. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in as many minutes
However, Benzema, the Real Madrid forward, stretched his barren spell for Les Bleus to 12 matches and he was booed while being replaced by Olivier Giroud in the closing stages.
"The whistles? That's not that bad. It happens. I was fine," Benzema told TF1. "The most important thing is the team.
"I'm confident I'll score again."
Spain return to the head of the group on 11 points, with France second on 10.
Argentina in control despite draw
In South America, Argentina remain in control of CONCACAF qualifying despite dropping two points against Bolivia.
Bolivia striker Marcel Martins headed the home side into a 25th minute lead but Valencia's Ever Banega scored the equaliser shortly before half-time to ensure Argentina's four-point lead at the top of the standings ahead of Ecuador (20 points) and Colombia (19), who have each played one game less.
Colombia started the day in second place, but crashed 1-0 to Venezuela in Caracas, allowing Ecuador to leapfrog them into second following their 4-1 thrashing of bottom side Paraguay.
Compiled by Marc Fox
2013 World Soccer News
Champions League - 4 March Soccer News - Real and Manchester United in Champions League showdown.
FA Cup Shocks - 18 February Soccer News - FA Cup springs more surprises.
Liverpool and Spurs Lose in FA Cup - 28 January Soccer News - Liverpool and Spurs are knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition.
League Cup - 23 January Soccer News - Bradford City are through to the League Cup Final after beating Aston Villa over two legs.
Manchester Title Race - 14 January Soccer News - the Manchester title race and Newcastle's new striker.
Theo Walcott - 10 January Soccer News - Theo Walcott edges closer to new contract at Arsenal.
Kevin-Prince Boateng - 7 January Soccer News - Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng walks off after racist abuse.
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